Open Bond Time Allows for Fit Adjustment and Positioning
3M™ Hot Melt Adhesive 3738 features a 50 second open time that allows for positioning and adjustment on wood, polypropylene, corrugated boxes and lightweight substrates. Its nearly instant bonding property reduces production time for POP assembly, joining, attaching, securing, repairing, potting, panel bonding, wire tacking, bundling, sealing, encapsulating, rigidizing, foam bonding, and packaging. For use with a 3M™ Hot Melt Applicator.
Recommended Applications
- Cabinetry
- Woodworking
- Sound damping
- Furniture manufacturing
- Upholstery
- POP displays
- General industrial
Understanding Hot Melt Adhesives
Hot melt adhesives, also known as glue sticks, are liquefied thermoplastic adhesives available in both low and high-temperature versions. Low temperature hot melt adhesives are applied at 250ºF/121ºC temperatures, which makes them ideal for bonding electronics, plastics, cloth and other heat sensitive materials. High temperature hot melt adhesives are applied at 380ºF/193ºC and produce a stronger bond than the low temperature hot melts.
Melted adhesive is extruded through a nozzle using a 3M Hot Melt Applicator by either pneumatic pressure, a mechanical trigger mechanism, or with pressure applied directly on the stick. Different nozzles can be used to apply thin, wide strips or narrow, thicker beads. Hot melt adhesive generally sets quickly, ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on the adhesive formulation.
Bringing Better Ideas to the Surface through Science and Innovation
In our 3M Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division, we apply the science of adhesion to deliver innovative solutions that improve the design and manufacturing processes of companies around the world. In the end, our technologies help customers like you deliver competitive products to the market faster and more efficiently.

3M 76623, Roloc Disc 777F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045619
3M 15289, 663FC, 2-3/4" X 160", 40u, Diamond Trizact Belts 7010508900
3M™ 17323, Versaflo™ Respiratory Helmet Assembly M-407, with Premium Visor and Flame Resistant Shroud, 7000002395, 1 EA/Case
3M 77558, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 77558, 40+ to 120+, 6 in x NH, Die 600Z, 7100232737
Norton 66243510512 - 4" X 3" X 2" X 5/8" - 11 16 Grit Extra Coarse Aluminum Oxide Gemini Portable Type 11 Flaring Cup Snagging Wheel, 10 Each
3M 10841 Trizact Film Belt 272LA, A35, Green, 11/16 in x 64 in, 7010508923
3M 08976, Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive DP100 Plus, Clear, 48.5 mL Duo-Pak, 7100148750, 12/case
3M 05783, Hookit Pad D/F, 8 in x 5 bolt hole, 7000119884
3M 09092, Dry Layup Adhesive 1.0, 18.93 Liter, Red, 7000044933
3M 20928, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 1 in x NH, Die 100N, 7000118917
Dynabrade 53533 Cone or Plug Grinder (Triple Extension)
3M 20927, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 1 in x NH, Die 100N, 7000118918
3M 05049, Cloth Belt 384F, 80+ XF-weight, 1 in x 30 in, Fabri-lok, Full-flex, 7100141431, 200 per case
3M 11411, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045095
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 1/2" X 18" 125U
3M 22404, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045100
3M™ 85247, Roloc™ Flexible Diamond Disc 6234J, TR, 2 in x NH, M125 Micron, 7000120364
3M 54203, Qualitative Fit Test Apparatus FT-30, Bitter, 7000002042
3M 57173, Temflex Cotton Friction Tape 1755, 3/4 in x 60 ft, Black, 7000058870
3M 08302, Ultrapro Autobody Sealant, Clear, 5 oz Tube, 7000120449, 6 per case
Dynabrade 14010 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool Versatility Kit
Dynabrade 51700 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 05043, Cloth Belt 384F, 80+ XF-weight, 1/2 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Full-flex, 7100141435, 200 per case 
